Cornell Tech receives borough president's approval

January 25, 2013

NEW YORK — The Cornell NYC Tech project has received conditional approval from a key player in the city’s development process: Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer.

In a Jan. 24 press release, Stringer expressed support for the proposed tech campus on Roosevelt Island, which is part of the district of Manhattan. In developing his Uniform Land Use Review Procedure recommendation, Stringer secured commitments to pursue several modifications to the project, which include construction mitigation, the creation of a community advisory committee on open space, expanding the hours of the campus open space, expansion of the red bus service during periods of construction, and commitment to study co-generation and pedestrian access to the Queensboro Bridge.

“Borough President Stringer has been a true leader in supporting and guiding the growth of New York’s tech sector, and we’re extremely grateful for his support of Cornell Tech,” said Cornell President David Skorton. “Cornell Tech will help drive economic development in New York for years to come, but we know the campus will only be a success if we are good neighbors. We are grateful for the borough president’s support and are committed to addressing the matters he raised as part of our ongoing effort to ensure that this campus respects and partners with the Roosevelt Island community.”

Stringer cited the need to focus on expanding and strengthening the city’s technology sector. New York has become one of the nation’s fastest growing technology markets, and universities play a key role in advancing high-tech research and development, he said.

He also acknowledged that Cornell has committed to working with local middle schools to create a pilot tech education program, which was a key recommendation in his recently issued report, “Start-up City.”

“The proposed project will have significant benefits to New York City as it will expand our ever-growing tech sector,” Stringer said. “I am pleased that Cornell University has been willing to work with our office and the local community.”

In December, Community Board 8 overwhelmingly supported the requested land use actions. The project will continue to move through the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure; the next step will be a review by the City Planning Commission, and then a final review by the City Council.